Adoption Attorneys In Salem, OR
Adoption should be a joyful experience, but determining the legal requirements to complete the process can be challenging.
Relative or Step-Parent Adoption
At Johnson & Taylor, our experienced Salem adoption attorneys are well-versed in Oregon adoption law. Whether you’re a relative or step-parent seeking to adopt a child, or a birth parent who wants to place your child for adoption, our legal team guides you and your family through the process every step of the way.
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Pedestrian AccidentPedestrian sustained broken bones when struck by a borrowed vehicle in a marked crosswalk. Client had health insurance but no auto insurance. We sought recovery from the insurance company who insured the vehicle AND the insurance company who insured the driver. Client was able to recover a substantial amount of money.see more results
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Drunk Driver AccidentTwo couples riding together in a vehicle were struck on the freeway by a drunk driver. All were badly injured. Able to get maximum compensation for all from the at fault driver and from the bar that overserved alcohol, contributing to the driver getting drunk.see more results
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Bicycle AccidentTeenager riding bike in or near a construction zone and hit by a vehicle while riding through a crosswalk. Despite an unfavorable witness and the teenager not wearing a helmet, able to work out a great settlement.see more results
Legal Adoption In Oregon
Single and married adults age 21 and older can adopt a child in Oregon, provided they meet the requirements as outlined by the state including same-sex couples.
Each case is unique, and there are specific issues, laws and rules that may apply to your situation, including:
Home Study — The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) conducts interviews and home inspections to determine if a home is suitable for a child. A home study is required unless the adoptive parent is a step-parent, grandparent or biological parent using a surrogate. Other exceptions may also apply.
Post-Placement Home Visit & Report—DHS performs a follow-up home visit after adoption to see how the family is adjusting and the child is progressing.
Payment of the Birth Mother’s Costs — Adoptive parents may pay for the reasonable costs associated with the adoption, including medical costs, travel and legal expenses. Adoptive parents are not permitted to provide the birth mother with additional funds beyond these costs.
Consent to the Adoption —A birth mother must always give consent for another person to adopt their child unless her parental rights have been terminated. A biological father must also give consent if he is married to the birth mother or is the legal father of the child, unless his parental rights have been terminated.
Legal Documents — If you are adopting a newborn, the birth mother can change her mind at any time before signing the Surrender, Release and Consent to Adoption and Certificate of Irrevocability. It is advisable to wait 24 to 48 hours after the birth to ensure that she is deemed mentally competent to sign. Once this legal document has been signed and the child is placed in the adoptive home, the revocation or changing of the conditions of consent without proving fraud or duress is highly unlikely.
Indian Child Welfare Act — Adoptions involving children of Native American descent may require you to contact and submit documentation to their federally-recognized Native American tribe before the adoption. Our adoption attorneys in Salem have experience handling these types of cases and take care of providing proper documentation to tribal authorities.
Adopting an Adult or Foreign Child — This process can be complex, so having a skilled adoption attorney in your corner is vital.
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“I appreciated the time he took with me to explain all the details and to ease my concerns. Also, Myra was very helpful and pleasant. Overall I am very satisfied with their service.”- Dawn S.
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“I recently used Johnson and Taylor, Person Injury and Family Law to assist me in divorce proceedings. Brittany Sumner and her paralegal, Stephanie Kincaid, provided excellent service and expertise. They were quick to respond to questions via email or phone and were able to schedule appointments in a timely manner. I highly recommend this practice and will use them again in the future should I have need for legal representation.”- Natalie R.
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“There was a lot of debt that needed to be sorted out, but they were both confident and positive that things would be straightforward, but were always prepared if things were to become more difficult. They made the process as painless and easy as possible, and were communicative and very patient with me and all of the worries I had. 10 out of 10, I can confidently say that I would happily work with them again if I ever need another divorce”- Margaret C.